Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · Sep 8

It's a suprise they haven't been split 😉.

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · Aug 31

1 of 3 Spotted Flycatchers seen today, pausing to feed on their journey south.
Their broad bill bases (2nd pic) help to catch flying insects.
#ukbirding
#bedsbirding

13

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · Aug 31

For #WildflowerHour #fruits
Some dew covered Dewberry.
Willington, Beds.

2 31

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · Aug 31

Yes 😊.

1

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · Aug 14

Hello
Yes, yellow stripe on leg suggests a Common Darter (as opposed to Ruddy). Abdomen shape suggests a male (but immature).

1 1

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · Aug 13

A White Water-lily, looking like a painting.
Weerribbeen-Weiden NP
Netherlands.

4

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · Jul 27

Wayfaring Tree berries, with (to my mind) an autumnal feel to the mix of colours.
#WildflowerHour
Priory CP
Bedford, Beds.

7

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · Jul 27

For #WildflowerHour #Deadnettlefamily
The lovely Wild Clary.
Most at this site (in the background) had gone over.
Castle Mills Lock, Beds.

3 35

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · Jul 18

Am not seeing dark patches at hindwing base so am thinking Black-tailed Skimmer - a mature male.
Darkish eyes also consistent - would be bluer in mature male Scarce Chaser.

1 2

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · Jul 14

Having left the nest but still being feed by its parents, this Common Buzzard was making a begging call.
#ukbirding
#bedsbirding
Willington, Beds.

9

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · Jul 9

The over ripe fruit of a Wild Cherry was providing a butterfly breakfast.
For #wildwebwednesday
Bedford, Beds.

5

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · Jul 6

Some Docks for #WildflowerHour.
Curled Dock (top) and Clustered Dock (bottom).
Willington, Beds.

1 8

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · Jul 6

These seed pods with the morning sun behind them caught the eye.
(Field Pennycress?).
For #WildflowerHour
Cople, Beds.

4

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · Jun 27

A Southern Hawker allowed a close approach this morning.
A male, its slightly muted colours presumably due to it not being quite mature (?).
Bedford, Beds.
#Dragonfly

5

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · Jun 22

Bathed in sunlight, Common Centaury.
For #WildflowerHour
Willington, Beds.

9

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · Jun 22

Some #AquaticPlants for #WildflowerHour (clockwise from top left):
Flowering Rush, Yellow Waterlily, Water-plantain and Branched Bur-reed.
Bedford, Beds.

1 15

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · Jun 18

For #WildWebWednesday
A Common Centaury, with and without a pollinator.
Willington, Beds.

4

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · Jun 14

The aptly named Green-eyed Hawker (aka Norfolk Hawker).
Here, in the past few years, these have gone from rarely to commonly seen.
Willington, Beds.
#dragonfly

3

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · Jun 8

For #WildflowerHour #Peafamily, a Grass Vetchling.
The "floating" flower really catches the eye, unlike the grass-like leaves!
Willington, Beds.

3 41

Reposted by Patrick Giles

Matt Bruce @mattjbruce.bsky.social · Jun 4

The stunning breeding plumage female Grey (Red) Phalarope at Spiggie, Shetland, this afternoon. What an incredible looking bird! Not often seen looking like this in the UK. My only other sighting was about a decade ago at Brandon Marsh, Warks! #Phalarope #Waders #Wildlife #UkBirding

5 10 140

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · Jun 1

Looming over the path like Triffids, these Giant hogweeds really were enormous.
An introduced species, native to SW Asia.
Blunham, Beds.
For #WildflowerHour

4

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · Jun 1

A juvenile Grey Heron, apparently unperturbed by my presence.
First thing this morning, Priory CP, Beds.
#bedsbirding
#ukbirding

1 33

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · May 16

A (not so) Scarce Chaser.
Now a common species hereabouts, this immature male is starting to acquire the blue bloom of an adult male.
Willington, Beds.
#dragonfly

7

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · May 4

Feels early (but my flight period chart has them appearing from the beginning of May).
A Red-eyed Damselfly, seen this morning.
Bedford, Beds.
#dragonfly

5

Patrick Giles @ppg0104.bsky.social · Apr 29

Thanks Marc, much appreciated. Hope all good with you.

1